INDIAN ORCHARD – In 1848, a group of Congregationalists met to form a new church for the growing factory community of Indian Orchard.

One hundred and seventy years later, the building may house a church of a different denomination, but the structure is still home to a vibrant religious community.

The Orchard Covenant Church will be noting the 170th anniversary with events on April 14 and 15, according to its pastor, Rev. Nancy Ebner. On April 14 the church will host a dinner catered by Tony and Penny’s Restaurant of Ludlow at 5 p.m., followed by a concert. On April 15, there will be a special worship service at 11 a.m. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advance with individual tickets at $15 and family tickets at $40. For ticket information call John Howell at 567-5081.

Ebner noted the building that is a landmark has seen much history. The church was originally housed in a schoolhouse across the street and the sanctuary that is used today was constructed in 1856. An addition was added in 1892 and the community hall was added in 1954 when the church parsonage burnt down.

Howell noted the congregation has been making improvements to the building and said, “It’s in better shape than it was 20 years ago,”

He added at one point the Indian Orchard factory owners sustained the building during the Civil War when so many men were called into the Army.

While the sanctuary has been remodeled, it still has its original tin walls and a 1920s vintage pipe organ that is used every week. The bell that is rung weekly was installed in 1900 to honor Charles Goodwin.  

Ebner recalled how she has spoken to people who attended weekly sock hops in the community hall during the 1950s.

She noted the building has never been shut down and has been in continual use since its was built.

While the building had been home to a United Church of Christ congregation, the current one is an evangelical church with a congregation of 150 people. Enber said one of the greatest aspects of the church is its “diversity of its congregation.”

“The church needs to be self-supporting and there’s always enough … and really enough is fine,” Enber said.

Her congregation is active in the community with taking part in a citywide tutoring program and assisting the Community Survival center, on which board several members serve. Ebner added the church also support a mission to an orphanage in Kenya that helps with food and school uniforms. Ebner herself serves on the board of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council.  

“A church needs to be generous whether it benefits us or not,” she said.

For more information about the church, go to www.orchardcovenant.org.